Address
SalaryPrincipal Solicitor
Location: Northam
We have a unique opportunity for a Principal Solicitor to join our team and make a significant impact to the lives of individuals and communities in the scenic country town of Northam. As a Principal Solicitor, you will lead the legal team to establish strategies and provide advocacy that directly benefits the community, offering a rewarding career that goes beyond traditional legal practice to make a difference.
We are offering the following attractive benefits:
- A welcoming team culture.
- Housing/accommodation assistance.
- Competitive salary between $110,000 to $120,000 per annum depending on experience, plus 11% superannuation.
- Full-time contract.
- Salary packaging up to $15,900 per annum.
About Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre
Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre is small but dynamic Legal Centre offering legal advice, representation, and advocacy to disadvantaged and vulnerable people living in the Wheatbelt. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Principal Solicitor to join our team and to deliver on our strategic focus – to lead the team in the provision of quality, responsible and accessible legal services to the Wheatbelt.
About the Role
The Position
The successful applicant will be required to lead and support the legal team in the provision of professional and high-quality legal advice and court representation to clients in the areas of family law, family violence and general civil and criminal. The roles also involve the facilitation of community engagement and the development and maintenance of education initiatives delivered to both individuals and the wider community (including the on-line community). You will also be required to maintain and extend existing community service and agency networks, while providing leadership and support with complex cases.
Responsibilities include:
In accordance with Wheatbelt CLC’s strategic and operational plans, provide advice, referrals, casework assistance, legal representation, law reform and community legal education, throughout the Wheatbelt region, the Principal Solicitor is responsible for:
- Supervising the legal practice and ensuring the service’s compliance with Community Legal Centre Australia’s risk management framework, as well as legal and regulatory requirements.
- Undertake the provision of professional, high quality legal advice and representation to clients in areas of family law, family violence matters, minor criminal, minor civil and criminal injuries compensation matters.
- Undertake travel to various communities within the Wheatbelt to carry out legal assistance and education on a regular basis (may include overnight stays on occasion);
- Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and provide guidance and leadership to Wheatbelt community/stakeholders
This job description is not exhaustive and may be adjusted periodically after review and consultation. The incumbent will also be expected to carry out any reasonable duties, which may be requested from time-to-time.
Selection Criteria
Essential Criteria
- Hold an unrestricted legal practice certificate in Western Australia.
- Demonstrated 5+ years’ experience in the provision of all aspects of legal service delivery including representation, casework and advice in community-based areas of law, specifically the areas of family law, family violence, criminal law, minor civil and criminal injuries compensation.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and other persons from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience in working collaboratively and effectively within a small team environment as well as with other community service providers,
- Proficiency in the use of MS Office (MS Word, Excel, Outlook) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of Wheatbelt CLC’s client database;
- Current driver’s licence (class C)
Successful applicants will also need a satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and working rights in Australia.
Application Process
If you are interested in applying for the Principal Solicitor position, please submit a copy of your current resume and a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages outlining your suitability for the position in the context of the role.
Applications close by 11.59pm, Sunday 17th March 2024. Applications that do not address the selection criteria may not be considered. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date, and an appointment be made, so early applications are encouraged.
Through the selection process, shortlisted candidates will initially be asked to provide samples of previous work and attend interviews.
